Colombian football chief released following arrest at Copa final
Colombian Football Federation president Ramon Jesurun has been released on bail following his arrest at Copa America final, according to videos published in Colombian media on Monday.
A
Miami-Dade County police file indicated Jesurun had been arrested on charges of
"assault on officer/employee" on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Security
guards refused Jesurun access to the field, with his son and other family
members, for the awards ceremony after Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0, a
scuffle broke out and Jesurun and his son were arrested, Colombian newspaper El
Tiempo reported.
"This
badge says 'full access' and a security guard ... disregarded it," Jesurun
said, pointing to his official credentials after he was released having
reportedly posted $2,000 bail.
"I
insisted (to the security guard) that I should enter and he pushed me and a
ridiculous, unnecessary melee broke out," the 71-year-old Jesurun told the
El Heraldo newspaper.
There
was chaos at the match, which was delayed by 82 minutes, as spectators stormed
the gates at the home of the NFL Miami Dolphins, with people pushed to the
ground and others trying to sneak into the stadium through air-conditioning
ducts.
Argentina
won the match with a goal in extra time by Lautaro Martinez.
Police
said there were 27 arrests and 55 ejections from the stadium.
"I'm
very proud of our officers' response to a volatile situation and for their hard
work in keeping our community safe as well as our law-enforcement partners who
provided key support," said Miami-Dade police director Stephanie Daniels.
South
American football governing body CONMEBOL suggested security procedures, such
as setting up an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans, had not been
followed by organizers.
"Fans
without tickets went to the vicinity of the stadium, which delayed the normal
access of the people who did have them, which slowed down the entry and
determined the closing of doors," CONMEBOL said in a statement.
"We
regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a
final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport."
The
Copa America had been marred by earlier incidents off the pitch.
On
Wednesday, Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans in the
stands after their 1-0 semi-final defeat.
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